Corona and Henry, two survivors of the last final between Cruz Azul and América
Only five players of those who played in the Apertura final on 16 December 2018 are still at their clubs.
Cruz Azul and América have had an historic rivalry for decades - one which began when they met in the final in August 1972 with the Cementeros clinching their third title. Since then, the two clubs have been involved in a host of confrontations both in the regular Mexican soccer calendar and in the final phases. One of the more memorable ones was the most recent final, to decide the Apertura 2018, in December 2018. The Águilas won 2-0 to lift their 13th crown. A lot has changed at both clubs since then - just five players who took part in that final are still at their respective clubs.
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Going into the Apertura 2018 final, La Máquina were the favourites after an impressive season in which they excelled under Pedro Caixinha, and topped the regular season standings. However, when the moment of truth arrived, his team did not respond and were beaten 2-0 by their staunch rivals with Edson Álvarez claiming both goals.
Only three players remain in the Cruz Azul ranks from that tragic night - the club’s second painful defeat to their arch rivals in less than a decade. Goalkeeper José de Jesús Corona captained the side in both legs and is still defending the Cementeros’ goal aged 42.
The other two Cruz Azul players who played in that final and who are still at the club are Julio César Domínguez and Rafael Baca - the former in the starting XI and the latter coming on as a sub. Both have been widely criticized in recent months but have received the vote of confidence from the directive.
As for América, only two players from that final continue at the club. The first of them has become an icon and idol of the institution - Henry Martin earned the respect and affection of the Coapa side for his goal-scoring feats. In addition to the Yucatecan, Roger Martínez, also a striker, is still part of the squad currently led by Fernando Ortiz.
The rest of the players who took part in that 2018 final have since moved on - with some deciding to retire from the game completely.